Background: EOS (encoded by the IKZF4 gene) is a member of the zinc finger transcription factor IKaros family, and plays a critical role in Treg suppressor functions, and maintaining Treg stability. IL-6 is a soluble mediator with a pleiotropic effect on inflammation, immune response, and hematopoiesis. Aim: To estimate serum IL-6 level and EOS gene expression in Iraqi patients with psoriasis. Method: Twenty-two patients with psoriasis (8 females, 14 males) with age ranged 18-72 years, were recruited from Baghdad Teaching Hospital, Dermatology Clinic, Baghdad, and 24 healthy donors. The serum levels of IL-6 by ELISA and the gene expression of IKZF4 (EOS gene) by RT-qPCR technique. Results: The results showed a non-significant difference in the level of IL-6 in those treated with topical therapy and others treated with Etanercept compared to control. A non-significant increase in patients treated with topical therapy was reported compared to patients treated with Etanercept. There was a higher significant percentage of IKZF4 gene expression folding in psoriasis patients treated with Etanercept compared to control group, while no significant differences reported between patients treated with topical therapy, Etanercept, and the control group. Conclusion: Activation of Regulatory T cells (Tregs) with Etanercept enhances EOS expression and decreases IL-6 production more than topical treatment in patients with psoriasis.
The present paper addresses cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris microalgae using airlift photobioreactor that sparged with 5% CO2/air. The experimental data were compared with that obtained from bioreactor aerated with air and unsparged bioreactor. The results showed that the concentration of biomass is 0.36 g l-1 in sparged bioreactor with CO2/air, while, the concentration of biomass reached to 0.069 g l-1 in the unsparged bioreactor. They showed also that aerated bioreactor with CO2/air gives more biomass production even the bioreactor was aerated with air. This study proved that application of sparging system for cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris microalgae using either CO2/air mixture or air has a significant growth rate, since the biorea
... Show MoreA series of experiments were conducted for the first time in Iraq to evaluate the efficiency of five plant leaves extracts (Ibicella lutea, Nerium oleander, Clerodendron inerme, Allium cepa and Eucalyptus spp.) in treating the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) infected with monogenetic trematodes of genera Dactylogyrus. Five different concentrations of such extracts were used to bathe fishes for 5,10,15,20 and 25 minutes. A concentration of 15% A. cepa for 25 minutes of bath exposure was affective in trematode eradication. Extracts of both Eucalyptus and N. oleander at a concentration of 10% each were also affective for ten minutes exposure. Extracts of C. inerme had no any effect on such parasites. On the otherhand, extracts of 1. hitea caused
... Show MoreThe use of Near-Surface Mounted (NSM) Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strips is an efficient technology for increasing flexural and shear strength or for repairing damaged Reinforced Concrete (RC) members. This strengthening method is a promising technology. However, the thin layer of concrete covering the NSM-CFRP strips is not adequate to resist heat effect when directly exposed to a fire or at a high temperature. There is clear evidence that the strength and stiffness of CFRPs severely deteriorate at high temperatures. Therefore, in terms of fire resistance, the NSM technique has a significant defect. Thus, it is very important to develop a set of efficient fire protection systems to overcome these disadvantages. This pape
... Show MoreIn recent years, there has been growing interest in using Nanosystems in different biomedical applications. Among all metal nanoparticles, selenium nanoparticles have attracted the attention of many researchers due to its low toxicity and nutritional supplementation value. The purpose of the current study was designed to examine the possible effect of selenium nanoparticles in combination with fenugreek leaves extract (an edible herb with good medicinal properties) in the treatment of oxidative stress status-related to polycystic ovary syndrome in letrozole-induced PCOS (an imbalance of reproductive hormones that causes infertility) in adult female rats. Cold plasma was used in the preparation of selenium nanoparticles subsequently the prod
... Show MoreSamarium(III) ions react with (l-2(2-benzoinidazolyl-azo)-2-hydroxy-3-naphthoic acid in basic medium (pH = 8.0) forms a red-orange complex at A.max (550nm). The complex was found to be stable for at least 48 hrs. at the given pH. The apparent molar absorptivity is 7776.77 L.mol-1.Cm-1 and a linear calibration curve is obtained in the range (0.639x 10-5M - 6.350x 10 -5M). The stoichiometry of complex was confirmed by using mole ratio method which indicated that ratio of reagent to metal is 3:1. The effects of the presence of different cations and anions as interferences in the determination of samarium(III) under the given conditions were investigated
Hair is an excellent indicator for abnormal concentration of toxic elements , In this study a random samples from girls hair of 12 cm long were irradiated by a flux of neutrons (4x10^ n/ cm^.s) obtained from an Am-Be neutron source of 5-Ci activitity . The y-ray activity measurements were carried out by using a " 5x5 " well- type Nal (Tl) detector. The study indicates clearly that the maximum concentration of elements was at about 7 cm hair length.
In this paper Hermite interpolation method is used for solving linear and non-linear second order singular multi point boundary value problems with nonlocal condition. The approximate solution is found in the form of a rapidly convergent polynomial. We discuss behavior of the solution in the neighborhood of the singularity point which appears to perform satisfactorily for singular problems. The examples to demonstrate the applicability and efficiency of the method have been given.